Tech10 Awards 2025

Meet the innovators in the information technology field harnessing the powerful tools that shape the way we live and learn about the world. For more than a decade, Rhode Island Monthly and the Tech10 Advisory Group have highlighted the work of these pioneers  ­­— in addition to the winners of the Next Tech Generation, the future leaders of the industry  ­­— and distributed a Lifetime Achievement Award.

TECH10 Advisory Group: Jason Albuquerque, Envision Technology Advisors; Linn F. Freedman, Robinson+Cole; Todd Knapp, Envision Technology Advisors; Kathleen Malin, Rhode Island Foundation; David Marble, OSHEAN; Rick Norberg, Vertikal6; David Hemendinger, H4 Innovations; Peter Moreau, retired from Amica Mutual Insurance.

The Honorees

Douglas Alexander, director of the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College

Christopher Hughes, senior account executive at Bridge Technical Talent

Tim Kehoe, lead IT Infrastructure engineer at AIPSO

Siu-Li Khoe, chief operating officer at Nautilus Defense

Sandy Martins, senior director of IT and operations at MENTOR

David Pacific, vice president of data and advanced analytics solutions at SQA Group

Matthew Rebello, senior vice president of technology and innovation at Falvey Insurance Group

Jeremy Rothwell, lead business intelligence analyst at Rebuilders Automotive Supply

Chris Sheehy, director of digital services at Brave River Solutions

Sarah Woodbine, senior vice president of project management and process improvement at BankNewport

Next Tech Generation

Michael Correia, cybersecurity associate engineer at Envision Technology Advisors

Nygel Gomes, corporate security and resilience analyst at Citizens Bank

Adam Telford, director of information technology at St. Andrew’s School

Lifetime Achievement Award

Joseph Pangborn, command information officer and director of the information resources department at the U.S. Naval War College

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Explain your job title and what it entails.

Sarah Woodbine. Photography by Chad Weeden

I am the first director of the Cyber Institute, where I connect higher education, industry and government to help Rhode Island face challenges in cybersecurity, AI and other emerging technologies. —Douglas Alexander

I coordinate and deploy technical resources to resolve complex business problems. —Christopher Hughes

My title is lead IT infrastructure engineer, which involves working as a database, active directory and IBM mainframe administrator. I install third-party software; add, change and remove user access; troubleshoot user issues; and avert problems by appropriate testing before implementing changes. This often involves back-and-forth communication with software vendors. The main goal is to keep our systems available and reliable. —Tim Kehoe

As chief operating officer, I’m responsible for scaling operations and daily functions at Nautilus Defense, which conducts groundbreaking research and manufacturing at the intersection of microelectronics and textiles. We are constantly developing processes and technologies in service of delivering state-of-the-art products to our customers. It’s an exciting and fulfilling place to work every day. —Siu-Li Khoe

I’m a problem-solver and innovator. As senior director of IT and operations, I lead the fusion of technology and operational strategy to drive efficiency, alignment and measurable impact. My focus is on embedding smart, intuitive systems into the heart of people and operations to help streamline workflows, improve user experience and align tools with organizational goals. Whether I’m guiding cross-functional teams through complex change, introducing new platforms or reimagining operational processes, I help teams and partners understand what’s possible, set realistic expectations and adopt systems that empower their work. —Sandy Martins

My role is about bridging the gap between data and the real people making decisions every day. I work with organizations to cut through the noise and confusion around data, helping them turn information into insight and, ultimately, impact. It’s equal parts translator, coach and advocate for making data more human so teams can move confidently from “gut-feel” to “data-driven.” —David Pacific

As senior vice president of technology and innovation, I oversee all facets of IT strategy, innovation and implementation across the organization. I lead software development, infrastructure services, cybersecurity and automation, ensuring technology aligns with business goals to drive growth and operational excellence. —Matthew Rebello

As lead business intelligence analyst, I oversee the entire data lifecycle at Rebuilders Automotive Supply, from architecture and engineering to analytics. I bring data together from a variety of sources to provide clear, actionable insights that drive business decisions. —Jeremy Rothwell

As director of digital services, my primary role is to develop processes and guide my team in helping clients increase their revenue by improving their online visibility and presence — making it easier for potential customers to find and engage with them online. I like to say I’m in the discovery business. —Chris Sheehy

As part of the technology department, my team and I manage strategic projects and continual process improvement efforts for the bank. —Sarah Woodbine

What skills are you currently developing?

Jeremy Rothwell. Photography by Chad Weeden

I’m focusing on creating custom generative pretrained transformers for cybersecurity and learning how to deliver live cyberattack exercises in our new cyber range. —Douglas Alexander

I’m advancing my skills in automation and AI technologies while mastering how to navigate fractured subject matter expert markets to better position clients for digital transformation success. I’m also refining my negotiation and presentation skills to effectively communicate these complex solutions to wider audiences. —Christopher Hughes

I’m working on updating our in-house databases to the newest software version available from the vendor. This is a major project as we have over a hundred databases. It’s always interesting learning how to use some of the new technologies and features of the software. —Tim Kehoe

I am learning and developing creative pathways to support our team’s growth and scale our business. Our team is composed of incredible makers who have a variety of different learning styles. I want to create a company that makes use of technology to support learning differently. Additionally, our offerings and manufacturing techniques are unique. Working toward automating production presents lots of opportunities to learn and invent every day. —Siu-Li Khoe

I’m developing skills in AI and effective change management. In a role that involves collaborating across diverse teams, personalities and learning styles, it’s essential to continue learning thoughtful and human-centered approaches to introducing and managing technology-driven change. With AI reshaping tech conversations, I’m exploring its governance, ethical use and alignment with organizational goals. I believe in a measured approach — crawling before walking — so understanding what works, what doesn’t and why is just as important as the innovation itself.
—Sandy Martins

I’ve been deeply focused on understanding what it means to be “data human,” not just in the technical sense but truly grasping the psychology of this new era of AI and analytics. I’m fascinated by how people react: Some embrace the changes with open arms, some feel left out or overwhelmed, and others just quietly navigate the shift. I’m spending a lot of time listening and learning so I can help others find their way, whether that means providing reassurance, challenging old ways of thinking or simply giving them space to process. —David Pacific

Siu-Li Khoe. Photography by Chad Weeden

I’m deepening my expertise in large language models and generative AI, especially around secure enterprise integration and aligning these tools with real business use cases. Alongside that, cybersecurity has become a major area of growth for me — I’m working to expand my knowledge to better support and strengthen our organization’s cybersecurity posture. While much of my technical foundation comes from college and self-teaching, I’m now pushing to formalize that knowledge with additional certifications and training to stay sharp and continue evolving with the field.
—Matthew Rebello

I am three quarters of the way through a course on Flutter. I had some side passion projects I was working on that required building an app. I’ve also been experimenting with using large language models to parse and structure data from websites; essentially being able to use LLMs to clean data pragmatically. —Jeremy Rothwell

AI, being mission-critical for businesses in so many ways, is my top skill focus. Our teams are developing meaningful tools that augment work processes, create efficiencies and add new functionality to businesses and websites. We’re also working on educating businesses on how to use AI via YouTube and LinkedIn. In the words of Yoda, “Use the Force.” —Chris Sheehy

I am continually working on different approaches to project management to explore new ways of engaging people in processes. Currently, we are exploring Agentic AI and its use cases within the bank. —Sarah Woodbine

Do you have any hobbies to help relieve stress?

Matthew Rebello. Photography by Chad Weeden

Outside of work, and alongside spending time with my wife and children, I listen to a lot of music and podcasts, play computer games, cook and read anything and everything. —Douglas Alexander

Family comes first for me, though I recharge by getting on a mountain for any kind of sport or outdoor activity. —Christopher Hughes

My favorite hobbies include reading almost anything from history and classic novels to science fiction. I like to reduce stress by jogging a few miles a couple of times a week. My wife and I love music, our dog, bowling and taking day trips. —Tim Kehoe

I de-stress with my family and friends enjoying the outdoors, doing projects together and sharing home-cooked meals. One of my favorite sayings is, “I love making things; I love spending time with friends; the best time is making things with friends.” Tech-related: I love any technology that seeks to model real life, from an Excel model to VR to manufacturing execution systems. I also love inspiring and teaching technology to children, a la Ms. Frizzle.  I am also an aspiring plant lady and dinner diplomat. —Siu-Li Khoe

Tim Kehoe. Photography by Chad Weeden

I always joke with family and friends that I should start sending invoices for all the tech support I provide, whether it’s setting up a new phone, troubleshooting a laptop or walking someone through an app. Outside of that, I unplug by cycling, hiking or walking through Slater Park. I also run an accountability goals group with family and friends and design jewelry as a creative outlet. I stay balanced by mixing tech, wellness, creativity and community into my everyday life. —Sandy Martins

On the tech side, I enjoy experimenting with new automation and visualization tools, always looking for ways to make work a little smarter. But most of my joy comes from being with my wife and two kids. Supporting my daughter as she plays on an elite softball team and watching my son compete in youth hockey is an absolute privilege, and coaching his team lets me relive the best parts of my own childhood. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those experiences come full circle and share that excitement with my kids. —David Pacific

Coaching youth soccer for both of my daughters is a big part of my life and something I genuinely enjoy. It keeps me active, connected and gives me a different kind of challenge. I’m also a bit of a tech tinkerer, always curious to try out new apps, tools or smart home gadgets just to see what’s out there and how it works. Golf is another big outlet for me, especially tournament-style events or scrambles. I even managed a hole-in-one during a work event; I’m still riding the high all these years later! —Matthew Rebello

Most of my free time is spent having fun with my two young kids. I was an avid snowboarder before they were born, and I’m really looking forward to getting back on the slopes with them when they’re old enough. —Jeremy Rothwell

Taking my ’68 Plymouth Barracuda out for a ride is my idea of R&R. It’s pure joy and clears my head. Add family, friends and a good drive — now that’s therapy! —Chris Sheehy

Karaoke! I used to own a karaoke business and had to put my tech hat on to set up every night. Now I have my own equipment and sing anytime I like. —Sarah Woodbine

What was your favorite work-related project?

Sandy Martins. Photography by Chad Weeden

Launching our new cyber range was challenging and rewarding because it required all my skills in technology, design, systems integration and collaboration. Now that the range is built, it’s incredible to have access to an environment that can deliver actual cyberattacks and to get to share it with the community. —Douglas Alexander

I’m drawn to projects in the startup space, especially working with passionate founders where every solution has the potential to propel the whole organization forward. —Christopher Hughes

Favorite tasks are delving into challenging problems as sometimes they’re like puzzles that aren’t easy, and the root cause of an issue is many layers deeper than initially thought. These only become favorites, of course, after you find a way to fix the problem. Before I get to that point, there is a lot of frustration, but keeping the end goal in mind of helping someone get their job done makes the process worthwhile. Another great aspect of my job is keeping up with the constant changes in technologies. —Tim Kehoe

I love what I’ve been able to do to support Rhode Island’s tech community while enabling the state’s economy. There is so much more we can do to realize our potential as a state and as a region. One example: I worked with many fabulous tech businesses and individuals to implement small business tech help during COVID. When small businesses needed a way to reach customers without relying on foot traffic, we came together as a state to help restaurants grow their takeout businesses and help makers sell their  wares online. —Siu-Li Khoe

I can’t pick just one favorite project; I’m most energized by work that blends commitment, flexibility and problem solving. Growing up in a big family taught me how to navigate personalities and build consensus. That foundation shaped how I lead today. I thrive on coalition building: aligning people around shared goals, managing complexity and keeping momentum through change. There’s a real art to connecting the dots, managing moving parts and still making progress, and that’s the part of the work I find most fulfilling. —Sandy Martins

Christopher Hughes. Photography by Chad Weeden

The work that inspires me most is when I can see data changing lives in real time, especially in the nonprofit space. These organizations are often stretched thin, yet they’re doing the most important work in our communities. Helping them strengthen their data maturity isn’t just about dashboards or metrics — it’s about unlocking possibility. It’s about replacing guesswork with confidence, giving leaders the insight they need to make decisions that ripple outward into real impact. The moment team members realize they can answer critical questions with clarity and see that better data means better outcomes for the people they serve, that’s when I know the work matters. Those moments stay with me. —David Pacific

One of my favorite projects was building Falvey Insurance Group’s very first application programming interface from scratch. This was before automations or prebuilt frameworks were common, so everything had to be hand-coded. I didn’t fully understand how it all worked at the time, but I knew I was making a connection and starting to get data back. I remember staying late one night after everyone else had left, just tinkering and troubleshooting, and then finally — it worked. I saw the data dump come through, and I literally threw my hands in the air like I had just summited Everest. That moment, the feeling of figuring something out on your own through pure curiosity and grit, reminded me I was exactly where I was supposed to be. It still stands as one of the highlights of my career. —Matthew Rebello

I worked on a project to efficiently track changes to a petabyte-sized data source. The goal was to monetize that new process in the sale of that data. We are the only company on the market with a historical view of this data. Most business intelligence projects are about looking at past results to make better decisions in the future. Aside from the project being a huge success, it was an interesting experience to work on a data product that made revenue for the business. —Jeremy Rothwell

Small businesses and manufacturers are in my DNA. Not only have I owned businesses, but my parents and brothers have as well. Helping small businesses and manufacturers become more successful really feeds my soul. —Chris Sheehy

People in the banking industry will think I’m crazy, but I love working on bank conversions — whether during a bank merger or a major system change. I get to learn new systems and learn about all the different functions of the bank in a short amount of time. Despite the complexity, finishing a conversion gives me a profound sense of accomplishment. —Sarah Woodbine

Who or what inspired you to get into the tech industry?

Chris Sheehy. Photography by Chad Weeden

It wasn’t just one person! My uncle had one of the first 128K Macintosh computers in 1984, and not long after my family bought an Apple IIc that I used constantly. I’d say both my uncle and Steve Jobs were an inspiration. Of course, there were various teachers and professors throughout my education — from fifth grade all the way through my graduate work — who showed me how powerful and fun tech can be. My in-laws, both high school teachers, encouraged me to leave the business world and get into education technology twenty-three years ago, for which I’m forever grateful. —Douglas Alexander

I got hooked when I first understood how ones and zeros could create entire digital worlds. —Christopher Hughes

I always liked science and technology. Some of the people who inspire me are co-workers like Irene Sidoti and Catherine Thenault. Their thoroughness and care are key factors in making AIPSO a great place to work. —Tim Kehoe

I started my tech journey with two interests. One was the bridging of Eastern and Western medicine. I studied bioelectrical engineering because I wanted to bridge understanding of how the body works from the two perspectives to gain greater insight and better options for healthy living. The second interest was in artistic expression. I was hooked by LOGO, a program that allows you to draw by programming a digital pen or turtle. It’s not a coincidence that I’ve landed with a company of inventive makers where perhaps our largest market opportunity is in novel medical devices. —Siu-Li Khoe

I’ve loved technology since childhood, inspired by mentors and teachers. But my true passion for technology really took shape when I met Kimberly Denton, my first manager at my first “big girl” job in college. She saw potential in me and invited me to join her team in the project management office supporting IT projects. That experience revealed the powerful blend of technology and people. Nearly twenty years later, Kimberly remains a trusted mentor, supporter and close friend. —Sandy Martins

My mom was my middle school computer teacher. She was passionate about tech and, to be honest, a bit intimidating, at least to my friends. We always had a computer at home. She insisted I learn to type with a keyboard shield, which at the time felt like torture, but I still benefit from that discipline today. My dad, on the other hand, worked as a plumber, and watching him build a career through sheer determination taught me the value of hard work. In some ways, I chose tech because I saw the writing on the wall; data pipes just seemed a little cleaner. But more than anything, it was the encouragement and example from both that set me on this path. —David Pacific

David Pacific. Photography by Chad Weeden

My inspiration came from two people. The first was a high school teacher who saw something in me early on and encouraged me to take a college-level computer engineering course while I was still in high school. That lit the fuse, sparked my curiosity and became my first real introduction to the tech world. The second was my father-in-law. He ran a side business working on computers and brought me along on jobs. He taught me how to build machines, run cabling and understand the basics of networking. More than the technical lessons, he instilled in me a mindset: Do the little things right, ask the right questions and never stop learning. Those early experiences became the foundation for everything I do today. —Matthew Rebello

I started off my career in finance. The first company I worked for outside of college had a mentorship program and I got teamed up with the reporting and analytics manager at the company. He suggested learning structured query language would be very useful in my career. One day he took a few hours to teach me the basics — I remember getting back to my desk totally hooked and thinking about how much better this is than spending all day in an Excel spreadsheet. From that day on, I’ve been a total code junkie and haven’t looked back. —Jeremy Rothwell

That would be me. Tech was essential for me when I launched my first business in 1997. Being self-funded, I had to learn how to build and promote my first website to pay the bills. That first business was automotive-related, and I completely pivoted into the digital marketing space many years ago. It still pays the bills. —Chris Sheehy

My former IT manager at another bank, Valerie Fuchs. She recognized the technical skills I had outside of banking when we set up a call center together. She gave me the opportunity to learn any aspect of technology and information security that I wanted to. I went on to get my Cisco Certified Network Associate certification and became an IT manager at multiple banks. I still aspire to grow my tech skillset every day. —Sarah Woodbine

What would you be doing now if you hadn’t discovered the tech world?

Douglas Alexander. Photography by Chad Weeden

As a kid, I was an avid reader and very good student, so without tech I most likely would have become a professor and author. —Douglas Alexander

Likely a nurse practitioner, specifically surgery — nothing could be more thrilling than reconstructing a broken human. —Christopher Hughes

I don’t know. After I retire, I would like to continue and expand my volunteer work for the Special Olympics and other organizations. —Tim Kehoe

Following a path supporting human health, community and learning.—Siu-Li Khoe

I love learning, sharing knowledge and helping people solve problems. If I weren’t working in tech, I could easily see myself as a tenured professor teaching psychology and exploring the human experience, or as a therapist who adds music and dance sessions into the mix to shake things up and make healing fun. —Sandy Martins

I probably would have followed in my dad’s footsteps and become a plumber or at least tried my hand at being an amateur bass fisherman, with far too much gear and not nearly enough prize money. In either scenario, I’d still be problem-solving, building things and, most importantly, making sure I had plenty of time for the people who matter most. —David Pacific

Originally, I was on track to become an accountant. I’ve always been strong with numbers and data analysis, and that seemed like a logical path. But sitting through accounting classes, something just didn’t click. I kept thinking back to the computer work I had done earlier and realized I needed something more dynamic: something that blended logic, problem-solving and creativity. That’s when I switched my major to software engineering and I’ve never looked back. Honestly, if I had stayed in accounting, I don’t think I would’ve been happy. I’m glad I listened to that instinct early on. —Matthew Rebello

I’ve always been curious and enjoy learning how different parts of a business operate, so I could see myself in a leadership development program that rotates through various departments. That’s what I love about my career in tech, though — it allows me to support all areas of the business, so there’s always something new and interesting to learn. —Jeremy Rothwell

I would be elbow-deep in old cars. Restoring classic carburetors is my current side-hustle. Who knows — maybe that will be my retirement gig. —Chris Sheehy

A writer. My bachelor’s degree is in communications. —Sarah Woodbine

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What does the future of technology look like in your field?

Photo courtesy of Adam Telford

“I think the future of technology is going to come from people who creatively and mindfully try to make a difference in their communities. Rhode Island’s teachers are shaping that future for their students at schools like St. Andrew’s School [in Barrington], which is why I chose to work there.” —Adam Telford, director of information technology at St. Andrew’s School

Photo courtesy of Michael Correia

“Cybersecurity has begun adopting artificial intelligence as we seek more efficient methods of performing heuristic analysis. This trend will continue, and I predict that cyber- security vendors will aim for AI-assisted
unified platforms. Even still, the cat-and-mouse nature of cybersecurity will persist as all parties continue innovating.” —Michael Correia, cybersecurity associate engineer at Envision Technology Advisors

Photo courtesy of Nygel Gomes

“Generative AI has taken the world by storm and presents major opportunities for the banking industry. Organizations are racing to harness it to supercharge their colleagues and optimize their workflows. With so much potential to help organizations improve customer experiences, I fully expect this trend to continue as development progresses.” —Nygel Gomes, corporate security and resilience analyst at Citizens Bank

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Joseph Pangborn is a seasoned technology executive with nearly three decades of experience in engineering, information systems and cybersecurity leadership. Since 2010, he has served as the CIO at the U.S. Naval War College, where he leads a highly skilled team in designing and securing complex network environments that support academic and research missions within a military framework. Prior to NWC, Pangborn was the vice president and CIO at Roger Williams University and director of network and information systems at the Rhode Island Department of Education.

He has also served as pilot-in-command for regional airlines, charter companies and corporate aviation, rising to assistant chief pilot for a corporate aviation division of a Westinghouse, Inc., subsidiary.

As a technical adviser and network engineer, Pangborn served on the board of directors for local nonprofit RINET until its merger with OSHEAN. He served several terms on the board for OSHEAN before becoming chairman. During his term as chairman, he led these two organizations through a successful merger to create a comprehensive nonprofit service provider serving K–20+ education, health care, state government and other nonprofit community-based organizations.

A graduate of the University of Rhode Island in industrial and systems engineering, Pangborn is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with a focus on risk assessment, mitigation and enclave security. He also holds several FAA certifications.